It has come to light that plans have been put forward and permission granted to develop the space at 391 Benton Road in to a building of houses of multiple occupancy. The council are saying that planning permission for a type 1 hostel has not been granted however they fail to mention planning for a type 4 hostel HAS BEEN. This falls under the category of Bail hostel!!!! These plans have been shrouded in secrecy with most residents appearing to know nothing about it. No one is quite sure who the 14 bedsits will house though it is widely believed to be people released from prison/on bail. The council have said this is not the case at present however we want transparency from them. We want to be consulted on any future plans that would affect us, the people who own and rent homes in the area. If this is to be the plan or anything that would have a negative effect on the area- we are against it and want this petition taken in to consideration.
Had the residents known about this we would have opposed the plans for an HMO which have indeed been opposed by Northumbria Police on the grounds of potential anti social behaviour and safeguarding concerns. I invite you to sign this signature to protect our residents in what is a family area.

Thankyou 

Joanne Ketteringham